Battle Ground Public Schools

BGPS Bulletin

Jan. 16, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • School Board Appreciation Month and state award

  • Replacement levy facts #5 and #6 + levy presentation dates

  • Prairie esports team wins state title

  • Jan. 13 board meeting recap and highlight

  • Laurin Middle School students place at Rose City Classic Dog Show art contest

  • River HomeLink students' love of reading really stacks up

  • Join the instructional materials committee

  • Battle Ground Education Foundation receives $25,000 grant

  • Join us for the 10th annual BGPS Industry Fair

  • Catch winter sports on BGTV 27 and Comcast

  • Need help? Reach out to the Family and Community Resource Center

  • Job openings

  • BGPS in the news

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Celebrating Board Appreciation Month (plus a big honor!)

The Battle Ground School board poses for a photo after being recognized as a Board of Distinction

Pictured back row from left: Director Ted Champine, President Mary Snitily and Director Debbie Johnson. Middle row: Director Terry Tate and Vice President Jackie Maddux. Front row: Student representatives Itzel Contreras Montiel and Julia Stiffler.

January is School Board Appreciation Month and we are proud to announce that for the fifth time in seven years, Battle Ground Public Schools board of directors has received Washington state’s Board of Distinction designation from the Washington State School Directors Association.

Battle Ground was one of just two Clark County districts to receive this award in 2024. The recognition demonstrates the board’s commitment to excellence in governance, leadership and community collaboration over the past five school years. 

"Through collaboration with district administration and continuous engagement with our community, we remain committed to creating the conditions for every student to thrive," said Board President Mary Snitily. "This recognition reflects the collective dedication of the entire board."

Know the facts about the replacement education and operations levy

Graphic reading "Know the Facts about the replacement education and operations levy. Vote Feb. 11, 2025"

We're counting down the top 10 facts about the Feb. 11 replacement education and operations levy for Battle Ground Public Schools.

Fact #6: This levy is separate and different from the capital levy approved in February 2024. The capital levy will cover building repairs; technology updates; and spaces for construction trades, culinary, and health sciences classes.

Fact #5: The costs of supporting students and operating schools are increasing.

Head over to the district website for more information about the levy and a calculator to estimate the taxes for your property.

Attend a public presentation on the levy

During the month of January, BGPS is holding public presentations to provide information on the replacement levy and answer questions from the community. You can view a list of scheduled presentations on the district website.

Childcare and light refreshments will be provided at each presentation. Parents/guardians should bring an ID in order to access childcare.

In the event of a weather-related school closure, the presentation will be canceled. However, anyone may attend a different presentation.

For ASL interpretation, please contact communication@battlegroundps.org at least five days prior to the presentation you plan to attend.

For families requiring Russian or Spanish interpretation, we will have an event at the Lewisville campus on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This presentation will be offered in Russian and Spanish only.

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Prairie High School esports team wins state tournament

The Prairie High School esports team poses for a photo outside of the school

Prairie High School has a recent state champ that you may not be aware of. The school's Overwatch 2 esports team, led by science teacher Simeon Redberg, recently took home the top prize against Selah High School.

“I think one of the reasons this team had so much success is because they’re really good at communicating,” Redberg said.

“After we lost the first round of the finals we were like, ‘We’ve been in this position before, we just need to focus up and take the win,” said team captain Cody Sigler. “We adapted and played the way we wanted to play."

Esports is a relatively new opportunity for high school students in Washington. Battle Ground Public Schools took part in an esports pilot by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, but WIAA dropped the sport this year, citing a lack of schools willing to participate. So a number of schools, including Prairie and Battle Ground High School, joined the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association for this school year.

“I just love that we have this opportunity,” Redberg said. “Most of the kids doing esports aren’t involved in other more traditional sports."

Esports and other after-school activities throughout the district are supported by local levy funding. Learn more on the district website.

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Collage of images of the Battle Ground school board

BGPS’ board of directors held a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. Summaries and the recording are available on the district website. The board will next meet on Monday, Jan. 27 for a work session starting at 4 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6 p.m. You are invited to attend in-person at the Lewisville campus (406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground) or watch the meeting online.

Board highlight

During the Jan. 13 meeting, the board unanimously approved the purchase of 1,600 Chromebooks. This represents the first major purchase approved using capital levy funding that the district began receiving this year. These Chromebooks will replace obsolete models that can no longer be updated or are no longer repairable.

The capital levy was approved by voters in February 2024 to assist with technology and security upgrades, as well as new facilities for several skilled trades programs at the high schools. Learn more about how the district plans to use capital levy funding.

BGPS Highlights

Laurin Middle School students place at Rose City Classic Dog Show art contest

Three art pieces featuring dogs by Laurin Middle School students. Two are black and white and one is in color.

Congratulations to Laurin Middle School students Kaia-Lynn Quinata (8th grade), Larisa Dulia (7th grade) and Naomi Benardino (8th grade) on placing in the 2025 Rose City Classic Dog Show and Student Art Contest. Quinata took home second place in her division, while Dulia and Bernardino's works received honorable mentions. All artwork will be on display at the Portland Expo Center from Jan. 16-19.

The Rose City Classic Series has been going on since 1997, featuring artwork from students all across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Want to know more? Go here!

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River HomeLink students' love of reading really stacks up

A student poses with her school principals after meeting a reading challenge

River HomeLink 8th grader Maia Afenegus has read over 40 books this year!

Two students illustrate how they read double their height in books

River HomeLink sisters Amelia (6th grade) and Megan (4th grade) Robertson have read enough books to TRIPLE their height!

As part of River HomeLink teacher Traci Donahue's Experiencing Arts in Culture class, students were challenged to read at least 40 books of various genres by the end of the year. Eighth grader Maia Afenegus (above left) has already completed the challenge and is still going strong!

Students were also challenged to read their height in books. Sisters Amelia and Megan Robertson (above right) partnered up and have already met the challenge...three times over!

Donahue said her class focuses on reading for enjoyment, and "it has made all of the difference" in her student's embrace of the challenge. Way to go, Lynx!

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Join the instructional materials committee

This committee ensures that new teaching and learning materials were selected following the proper process and evaluates library books that are being reconsidered. The committee is expanding and will include parents, guardians, teachers, teacher librarians and students (juniors and seniors with parent/guardian permission). Learn more and apply by Jan. 26, 2025!

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Battle Ground Education Foundation receives $25,000 grant

Battle Ground first Rose Float in the 1955 parade

Battle Ground’s first Rose Float in 1955.

The Battle Ground Education Foundation is delighted to receive a $25,000 grant from the Battle Ground Rose Float Corp. The grant was provided in gratitude to the Battle Ground community for supporting them since their start in 1955, and will support the work of the district's Family and Community Resource Center, as well as the Rose Float Corp’s original partner, the Battle Ground High School marching band. Visit BGEF's website for more details and to learn more about the work of this important nonprofit community partner supporting the work of Battle Ground Public Schools.

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Join us for the 10th annual BGPS Industry Fair

Graphic with details about the 10th annual industry fair

The 10th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School. 

Businesses located in and around Clark County are invited to reserve a table at this event. Last year’s Industry Fair was attended by nearly 90 local employers and more than 700 attendees. Event organizers encourage participation by businesses from all industries, including health care, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, apprenticeships, transportation and more. 

Businesses interested in having a free table should sign up by Friday, Feb. 14. Contact Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at 360-885-6598 or doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org with questions.

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Catch winter sports on BGTV 27 and Comcast

Student operating a video camera at District Stadium

Winter sports are ramping up across the district. Battle Ground Public Schools is fortunate to feature live broadcasts of many games via the BGTV 27 YouTube channel and TV Etc. on Comcast channels 327, 328 and 329.

Check out the full schedule on the district website.

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Need help? Reach out to the Family and Community Resource Center

Group photo of the Family and Community Resource Center employees

Battle Ground Public Schools’ Family and Community Resource Center helps meet the needs of families facing challenges. No judgment, only support.

The FCRC works with the Battle Ground Education Foundation to help maintain quality education for all students in Battle Ground schools.

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We want to hear from you!

Something fun happening in your building or classroom? Is there a student, teacher or volunteer doing something remarkable? Let us know about it! Battle Ground Public Schools' communications department is here to share your story and the stories happening all around you. Please reach out and let us know if you think there's a story worth sharing.

Email: communication@battlegroundps.org

Phone: 360-885-5337

A graphic reading "what's going on?"
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Graphic that reads "BGPS Job Openings"

Battle Ground Public Schools is currently hiring for a number of positions. Visit the jobs page for details and to apply.

Resource room teacher (TBD)
Registered behavior technician (districtwide)
Career and Technical Education - lab technician (Prairie High School)
Custodian - swing shift (Captain Strong Primary)
Special program classroom assistants/paraeducators (various schools)
Classified and certificated substitute positions
Crossing guards and lunch/recess supervision (various campuses)
Various coaching and sports positions (see site for a full list and locations)

Find more information and apply online.

Bus drivers
BGPS' transportation provider, First Student, is in need of part-time bus drivers. Get more details on First Student driving careers, including sign-on bonuses starting at $1,500 ($3,500 for experienced drivers).

Right At School
The district's before and after-school care provider, Right At School, is looking for program managers and educators. Learn more or email your resume to michael.speer@rightatschool.com.

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graphic reading "BGPS In the News"

The Reflector

  • Prairie wrestler wins largest girls high school wrestling tournament in the nation

  • BGPS seeks volunteers for Instructional Materials Committee

The Columbian

  • Carson Morningstar scores 30 as Prairie win sets up 3A GSHL showdown

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